IF you think there’s something strange in your neighbourhood, then Bracknell Forest Borough Council wants you to call... the scambusters!

People are being encouraged to drop off potential scam mailings into ‘Scamnesty’ boxes which will be put out around the borough until Wednesday, February 27.

The information could provide crucial intelligence to help future investigations and prevent other people from falling victim.

The council is taking part in a nationwide campaign by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to encourage people to help in the fight against scams which cost the UK around £3.5 billion annually.

Every year about three million people fall victim to mass marketed cons such as bogus lotteries, deceptive prize draws and sweepstakes, fake psychics, get-rich-quick schemes and miracle health cures.

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for public protection, said: “Being scammed out of your hard-earned cash can cause misery to unsuspected victims who are often the most vulnerable people in our community.”

Many scams are sent through the post, as well as by email or over the phone.

However, OFT research suggests that less than five per cent of victims report the scam to trading standards.

Scamnesty boxes can be found until February 27 in:

- Council town centre offices: Easthampstead House and Time Square

- Sandhurst, Ascot and Crowthorne libraries;

- Bracknell Leisure Centre and Edgbarrow Sports Centre.

Scam information can also be sent to Scamnesty, Bracknell Forest Borough Council trading standards, Time Square, Market Street, Bracknell. RG12 1JD.